Consumer confidence up in first quarter
New Yorkers expressed a vote of confidence in the economy in the first three months of this year. A Sienna College Research Institute poll found that New Yorkers are generally positive about the current and future condition of the state’s economy. “Consumers remain cautious, but with most buying plans up, and after years of delaying purchases as part of the ‘new normal,’ they say they are ready to return to spending on most items,” said Research Institute founding director Douglas Lonnstrom.
Of all the areas of the state polled, New York City was the most optimistic, with Rochester in second place. Of the upstate cities polled, Syracuse was most pessimistic. “While every region recorded healthy gains in willingness to spend, New York City and Rochester ranked not only one and two, but also both cracked the breakeven point and now are more optimistic than pessimistic about their economic condition,” Lonnstrom said.
Plans to make major purchases were also up year over year, with more people planning to buy cars and make home improvements than last year.
Hochul says she will help lift burden of regulation from family farms
Kathy Hochul is holding meetings with the farm community today to discuss methods of ameliorating onerous government regulations that currently weigh heavily on all types of small businesses. The meetings are taking place in Orleans County. She will be presenting ideas for securing more federal funding for farms and main street renewal projects.
Rain is likely today, with a chilly high of 46 degrees. Tonight a low of 34 with a chance of rain or snow.
